FAQs

How do I know you are the “right” therapist?

We recommend considering four factors when choosing a therapist: your comfort level with that individual, their methods and experience, cost and location. Therapy is much more helpful when you find someone that you feel like you can open up and be honest with. We recommend either talking to the therapist directly on the phone or meeting with them face to face before deciding for sure that this is the person you want to work with. It is also helpful to ask what type of therapy they do and/or about their experience. It is often helpful to find someone who has experience working with the issues your facing and/or is trained in a specific type of therapy that they feel will be helpful.

There are a few things that set us apart. First of all, we strive to make us office as comfortable as possible whether it’s diffusing an essential oil, offering you a cup of hot tea/coffee or providing comfortable chairs. Second, we believe in providing quality therapy, so all of the therapists working at Aspire Counseling are trained in specific therapy techniques that are effective in helping clients reach their goals. Lastly, we believe a therapist should partner with their clients. You are the expert on your own life. We are equal in the therapy process and you will be treated with the respect any partner would be given.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals. Many of our clients are prescribe medications as well and we are happy to communicate with your family doctor and/or psychiatrist about your progress in counseling and work together to address your mental health needs in a comprehensive way.

My son/daughter isn’t sure therapy will help. What can I say to him/her?

We encourage parents to include the youth in choosing their own therapist. If they’re younger simply ask them what kind of person they think they could talk to about their problems and then “interview” potential therapists. If your son or daughter is a teenager, involve them in the process of choosing a therapist. When you find someone you think might be a match, assist your child in coming up with questions to ask. Then have the youth meet with the therapist to ask those questions. It is ok for the youth to express doubt about the therapy process and to ask questions. It is my job as the therapist to answer these questions as honestly as possible and to highlight ways therapy may help. Your youth will be much more active in the therapy process if they feel comfortable with the therapist, so it is worth putting some effort into finding the right professional. We have a lot of experience working with youth and connect with a variety of personalities. However, if your child and one of our therapists don’t connect we will be happy to recommend another therapist your youth may prefer.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on a variety of factors. For instance, the reasons you are seeking therapy, the amount of effort you put into therapy, other things in your life that may distract your from your progress and the kind of therapy you need all influence how long it will take for you to meet your goals.

In our first or second session your therapist will ask you about your therapy goals and will ask you how you will know when we are “done” with therapy. We’ll ask you to describe “better” so that we can work toward your goals as efficiently as possible and will both know when you are ready to stop coming.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success. You can make the most of your initial consultation appointment by printing the intake paperwork off, filling it out as fully as possible and bringing it completed to your first session.

In future sessions, you can get the most out of therapy by arriving on time, participating actively, being honest and if we discuss activities to try between sessions giving as much effort as possible to those activities throughout the week.